EQUIPMENT NEWS
SONIC FOUNDRY introduces their Acoustics Modeler Plug-In (MSRP $249). The software program adds the acoustical coloration of real environments and sound alteration devices to recorded audio. Acoustics Modeler was developed for use with any editor that supports DirectX Audio plug-ins, including Sonic Foundry’s Sound Forge 4.0. The program features an extensive library with dozens of acoustic signatures including recording studios, concert halls, warehouses, tunnels, bridges and woods. In addition, recorded material can be filtered through numerous sound-altering devices such as classic microphones and instrument amplifiers. (608) 256-3133, fax (608) 256-7300, www. sonicfoundry.com.
FURMAN SOUND announces the BP-1000 Uninterruptible Power Supply. Keep your workstation running during power failures! The unit provides six minutes of power at full capacity of 700 watts, more with smaller loads. Also new from Furman, the MM-3 Three Input Mic Mixer. The 1/2-rack mixer accepts up to three mics and one line level stereo source. Front panel controls include master level, bass and treble, and a mono/stereo switch. It’s powered by a 12 VDC power supply and can also be powered by a car battery. (707) 763-1010, fax (707) 763-1310, www.furmansound.com.
PRESONUS has the fix for those who hate setting up compressors. the BlueMax ($250) is a stereo compressor/limiter with 15 presets for various applications. Manual mode gives you full control over compression parameters including variable input/output, attack/release times, and ratio. I/O is 1/4" TS unbalanced with switchable +4/-10 stereo operating level. (504) 344-7887, fax (504) 344-8881, www.presonus.com.
EVENTIDE adds two new preset libraries (PCMCIA cards) for the 4000 Series Ultra-Harmonizers. The GTR II ($495) contains 166 presets designed for musical instrument applications. The Broadcast Extension Library adds all the presets found in both the DSP4000 and GTR4000 Ultra-Harmonizers for $695. (201) 641-1200, fax (201) 641-1640, www.eventide.com.
HHB COMMUNICATIONS’ new HHB CDR800 Compact Disc Recorder offers a professional deck at a very low price of $2,195. The rack-mountable unit features balanced XLR analog inputs, unbalanced RCA analog outputs, and AES/EBU digital I/O via optical and coaxial connectors. (310) 319-1111, fax (310) 319-1311.
ENSONIQ’s DP/Pro ($1,395) is a true stereo effects box with 39 algorithms. You get reverbs, delays, a pitch shifter, chorus, flanger, panner, EQ, and more including dynamics processing and six multi-effect algorithms. Processing is 24-bit with 20-bit A/D and D/A conversion. There are 128 factory presets and 256 user memory locations. (610) 647-3930, fax (610) 647-8908, www.ensoniq.com.
FOCUSRITE’s new Green 4 is a dual-channel compressor/limiter complete with de-esser, 3-band EQ (with notch feature), VU meter, and output fader. The input is switchable between +4dB and -10dB. Compressor controls include threshold, ratio, attack, release, and more. Also new from Focusrite is the Green 5 Channel Strip. The unit replaces a console channel strip with a unit of greater functionality. Feed audio via the mic, line or instrument input and add EQ (6 bands, high and low filters, high and low shelving filters, 2 mid parametric) and dynamics processing (gate/expander and compressor). Distributed in the US by Group One at (516) 249-1399, fax (516) 753-1020. Check Focusrite’s Web site for more info at www.focusrite.com.
dbx introduces the MC6 Mini-Comp compressor. The MC6 is designed to provide traditional dbx sonic quality to anyone requiring an affordable ($139), user-friendly device to quickly and easily achieve professional-quality compression. The MC6 begins with the classic dbx compression made famous by the company’s 160 line and adds several new features including stereo or mono mode operation. I/O is balanced 1/4" TRS. Line or instrument-level operation is switchable, as is OverEasy or hard knee compression. Eight-step meters show input, output, and gain reduction. It weighs less than two pounds and is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. 801/568-7660, fax 801/568-7662, www.dbxpro.com.
The new MARANTZ CDR620 CD Recorder improves on earlier models with top quality A/D and D/A converters, sample rate converter, digital audio delay, and fully automatic indexing from CD, DAT, DCC MD sources. For use with Macintosh and IBM PC compatible computers, the built in SCSI II interface provides double speed copying and production of Audio CD, Photo CD, Video CD, CD I, CD I/DV, CD Bridge Multi Session and all major CD ROM formats. Features include AES/EBU I/O, balanced analog I/O, S/PDIF I/O, parallel remote port, RC620 wired remote control, and more. 630/820-4800, www.marantz.com.
MUSIC/SFX LIBRARIES
Hal Knapp (Z100 NY) and Sean Caldwell (voice-over dude) have just announced the release of their newest production effects package, Aural Impact. The imaging package has over 175 cuts, including sweeps, hits, whooshes, touch tones, beds, and more. Targeted to
CHR, Country, AC, and Rock formats. RAP Members get 10% off the package! For info, call (813) 926-1250, check the Web site at www.seancaldwell.com, or call the Listen Line at (201) 652-4997.
CHATEAU BRAZIL/AV DELI announces the availability of several new libraries including Industrial Noise, The Crabs, Berlin After Dark, Big Fish v1.5, Mona, Liquid, Le Casablanca, and Manhattan Nights. All are market exclusive buy-outs. (414) 632-8610 or email
THE PRODUCTION GARDEN has just released a new library. Music Street Production Library is a 12 CD set of 60s, 30s, and 10s featuring Grammy and Clio winning writers and predominantly real players and live instruments. Categories include “Rock Lane, Country Road, Jazz/Urban Blvd., Adult Contemporary Ave., Promo Place, New Guitar Highway, News Place, Dance Worldbeat Path, Bright Retail Center, Comedy Court, Olympic View, and Funky-Bluesy St..” (800) 247-5317, fax (210) 641-7455.
THE MUSIC BAKERY adds a new CD to their collection featuring cuts in the following categories: Active Underscores, The Seventies, Kidstuff, Geographical, and Baroque Strings. (800) 229-0313, www.musicbakery.com.
THE MIX
SADiE users might find some useful information on the Net. SADiE user Steve Martin at BBC Radio Scotland says check out the discussion forum hosted by the University of Oregon. For info contact Jim Rusby at the University of Oregon School of Music, http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~jrusby, (541) 346-5659, or email jrusby@darkwing .uoregon.edu.
You’ve enjoyed Jeffrey Hedquist’s new column Radio Hed. Now, check out some of his work on The Learning Channel on Thursday, November 20th at 8 p.m.. He’s narrator for the program “Saving the Sphinx.”
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